Rice,  Wallace 

The  Masque  of  Illinois 


UNIVERSITY  OF 
ILLINOIS  LIBRARY 


THE  MASQUE  OF  ILLINOIS 


BY 


WALLACE  RICE 


Intended  for  the  Use  of  High  Schools,  Colleges,  and  Communitie8 
During  the  Centennial  Year 


ISSUED  BY  THE 


[Printed  by  authority  of  the  State  of  Illinois.] 


U"S        SITY  OF 
LLINOIS  LIBRARY 
LIRBANA-CHAMPAK2N 


THE  MASQUE  OF  ILLINOIS 


BY 


WALLACE  RICE 


Intended  for  the  Use  of  High  Schools,  Colleges,  and  Communities 
During  the  Centennial  Year 


ISSUED  BY  THE 


ILLINOIS  CENTENNIAL  COMMISSION 


[Printed   by  authority  of  tlie  State  of  Illinois.] 


SPRINGFIELD,  ILL. 

ILLINOIS  STATE  JOURNAL  Co.,  STATE  PRINTERS. 
1918 

8444 — 3M 


top 


III. 


THE  MASQUE  OF  ILLINOIS 


PART  I— EARLIER  ILLINOIS 


PERSONS  OF  THE  MASQUE  (*  indicates  a  speaking  part) : 

THE   TWO    TRUMPETERS  ROBERT  CAVELIER  S1EUR  DE  LA  SALLE 

PROLOGUE*  HENRI  DE  TONTY 

ILLINOIS*  FATHER   JACQUES    MARQUETTE 

THE   PRAIRIE    (boys)       ]    THB  FATHER   LOUIS   HENNEPIN 

THE   FORESTS    (girls)      {  ILLIN01g  FATHER    ZENOBE   MEMBKE 

THE   RIVERS    (boys)          j   COMpANY  FATHER   GABRIEL   RIBOURDE 

THE   FLO  WEES    (girls)    }  A    MAIDEN* 

FEAR*  THE   BRITISH    OFFICER* 

TYRANNY*  A    BRITISH    SOLDIER* 

TT.™#  I     KVIL   BRETHREN 

I ~L A.  J.  Jj  "KljyPTSTT     SOT  "OTTi^R^ 

.'I'llE  INDIAN  CHIEF*  THE   FRONTIERSMAN* 

INDIAN    BRAVES  BORDERMEN 

INDIAN    MAIDENS  PIONEER   MAIDENS 

T1IK    I'-RKNCII    OFFICER*  VIRGINIA* 

FRENCH    SOLDIERS  j   THE  LIBERTY    ] 

FRENCH  WOODRUNNERS    !•  FRENCH  JUSTICE     ! 
FRENCH   MAIDENS                j    COMPANY     LOVE 

1,01  'IS  JOL1ET  CONTINENTAL 

COLUMBIA* 


T\vo  Ti;r.M.i>KTKi:s,  I  he  Illinois  State  Banner  upon  one,  the  Centennial 
Banner  upon  the  other  trumpet,  come  forth  and  flourish,  first  one, 
then  the  other,  then  both. 

Comes  forth  PROLOGUE,  who  speaks,  the  TRUMPETERS  remaining. 

PROLOGUE. 

Now  fivescore  orient  pearls,  of  men  called  years, 

Their  luster  lend  unto  a  caranet, 

M;iking  Our  Lady  the  more  beautiful — 

Heard  ye  not  flourishes  upon  twin  trumpets 

To  sound  abroad  her  double  jubilee? 

Vet  half  as  much  aii'ain  in  days  had  »-one 

Since  first  she  trod  her  path  thro'  perilous  woods 

Into  the  splendor,  world  illuminate, 

Sped  from  great  Louis's  sunny  throne.     The  slow 

And  hesitant  steps  before  her  Statehood  glowed 

We  shall  portary — may  we  thus  pleasure  you, 


Fair  ladies  and  good  gentlemen !— -telling 

How  first  fair  France  made  gay  and  gallant  suit 

With  tripping  melody  along  our  sward, 

Where  savagery  had  screamed  for  foresome  war; 

How  Britain  brought  brief  tyranny,  and  how 

The  Frontiers! i inn  with  free  Virginia  came, 

Succoring  her  we  celebrate  today  : 

And  to  Columbia,  with  Liberty, 

And  noble  Justice  and  enduring  Love 

For  ever  joined  Our  Lady  Illinois. 

[PROLOGUE  retires,  the  TRUMPETERS 
flourish  as  before,  and  retire. 

The  rising  of  the  curtain  discovers  OUR  LADY  ILLINOIS  enthroned  upon  a 
blossomy  bank,  surrounded  by  her  Company  of  maidens  and  higli- 
flushed  youth,  the  PRAIRIES,  the  FORESTS,  the  RIVERS,  and  the  FLOWERS, 
glad  in  gay  raiment.  These  dance  daintily  to  gain  her  approval,  sever- 
ally and  together,  singing  the  while. 

THE   PRAIRIES 

As  the  sun  shines,  so  spring  we — 

The  prairies,  the  glades,  and  the  grassy  lea, 

Spreading  horizons  bright  in  the  West, 
Glad  Liberty's  gift,  Illinois,  to  thee. 

THE   FORESTS 

As  the  wind  sings,  so  sway  we — 

The  woods,  the  thickets,  the  maple  tree, 

Blithe  in  the  breeze  and  gay  in  the  gale 
And  free,  Illinois,  as  thy  winds  are  free. 

THE  RIVERS 

As  the  rain  falls,  so  run  we — 

The  rivers,  the  creeks,  and  the  inland  sea, 

Sparkling  with  freedom,   wave  after  wave, 
In  joy,  Illinois,  for  thy  jubilee. 

THE  FLOWERS 

Sun  and  win  and  rain  are  \\< — 
The  blossoms  dancing  in  fairy  glee, 

Sunflowers,  asters,  purple  and  gold, 
A  robe,  Illinois,  for  glories  to  be. 

THE    ILLINOIS    COMPANY 

Wood  and  bloom  and  stream  are  we 

And  boundless  prairies  so  fair  to  see, 
Dancing  and  singing  for  Illinois. 

So  beautiful,  hopeful,  dear   is  she! 

\Thci-ciipnn  i'<ii-li  in  him  bows  low 
in  acknowledgment  of  the  praises 
OUR  LADY  now  bcstoir*. 


ILLINOIS 

How  bravely  done,  ye  Prairies,  finely  gay 

With  grasses  tall !  and  ye,  bright  Rivers,  broad 

And  deep!  and   what,  ye  Forests,  singing  bold 

However  tempests  blare,  have  yet  not  won 

Of  quick  approve?  and,  lovely  Blossoms  mine, 

Sweet  children  of  the  woodland,  stream,  and  plain, 

How  can  1  more  than  take  you  to  my  heart? 

[The  whar-wlioop  is  heard,  right. 

Alas,  our  peace  and  joy  are  fled;  Fear  cometh ! 

[All  crowd  about  to  protect  ILLI- 
NOIS, the  PRAIRIES  and  RIVERS  to  the 
fore. 

[Enter,  right,  FEAR,  followed  by 
the  INDIAN  CHIEF,  his  BRAVES  and 

MAIDENS. 

[ILLINOIS  rises,  showing  alarm  and 
resolution. 

FEAR 

Pale  Fear,  the  son  of  .Ignorance,  behold! 

Brother  of  Hate  and  Tyranny,  to  Greed 

And  Selfishness  and  Arrogance  akin. 

Young  Illinois;  and  thou  shalt  walk  long  leagues 

With  me  before  our  ways  shall  part. 

ILLINOIS 

0  Fear, 

Troubled  am  I  by  thee,  and  long  may  be; 
Yet  shall  there  come  to  me  in  time  the  powers 
Of  wisdom,  Justice,  Liberty,  and  Love, 
Inexorable  enemies  of  thine. 
I  tremble  not. 

FEAR 

Yet  must  thou  shrink  appalled 

[To  the  Indian  Chief. 
Lend   forth  thy  braves  to  show  of  skill: 
Shrill  murder,  horrid  torture,  needless  death. 

THE   INDIAN    CHIEF 

We  are  thy  children,  and  our  will  is  thine. 

ILLINOIS 

Beware,  thou,  of  our  memories! 

THE    ILLINOIS    COMPANY 

Beware ! 


THE    CHIEF    AND    BKAVKS 


Fades  da  ft 

Thro'  the  sky  : 
Fierce  their  heart, 

Loud  their  cry; 
Eed  their  claw, 

Bed  their  beak, 
Wide  their  craw — 

Hear  them  shriek ! 


Swift  their  flight 

Thro'  the  cloud, 
Day  and  night 

Screaming  loud; 
Bright  their  doom, 

Flying  on 
Thro'  the  gloom 

To  the  dawn. 


Sharp  their  eye, 

Seeing  far. 
From  on  high 

Falls  the  star — 
Down  they  sweep 

On  their  prey, 
Quick  to  leap, 

Strong  to  slay.  • 


Lightnings  flash 

On  their  breath; 
Down  they  dash, 

Bringing  death. 
Eagle  War, 

Eed  mine  ire, 
Shouting  for 

Blood  and  fire ! 


FEAR 


Come,  maidens,  show  that  your  hearts,  too,  are  fierce. 

THE   INDIAN    MAIDENS 

Hear  our  prayer,  0  Manitou; 
Give  them  power,  of  eye  and  thew, 
Skill  to  plan  and  strength  to  do, 
Hear  us,  hear  us,  Manitou! 

Manitou,  0  hear  our  prayer: 
Let  them  slay  and  never  spare, 
Blood  a-spill  and  fire  a-glare. 
Manitou,  0  hear  our  prayer ! 

Manitou,  they  children  hear ! 

For  our  foes  the  knife  and  spear, 

Burning,  slaughter,  fear  on  fear. 

Manitou,  0  hear!  0  hear! 

\The  sound  of  bugles  is  heard,  rigliL 
The  INDIAN  MAIDENS  pause,  and 
with  the  CHIEF  and  startled  BRAVES 
gather  about  FEAR. 

ILLINOIS 

(rising) 

Begone.  O  Fein-.  no\v  that  thy  company. 
Tnir  children  of  thv  mind,  have  shown 
Their  fright. 


FEAR 

Return  is  mine,  it!  parted  now. 

[FEAR  I  car  ex.  left,  followed  by  the 

INDIAN  CHIEF  and  half  the  BRAVES 

and  MAIDENS. 

[Enter,  right,  the  KRKXCII  OFFICER 

and  his  SOLDIERS,  with  the  -flag  of 

France. 

ILLINOIS 

(to  her  Company) 

Tower  is  not  given  me  in  this  my  dawn 
To  banish  utterly  these  childish  fiends; 
But  I  have  faith  this  strength  will  yet  be  mine. 

[The  FRENCH  OFFICER  goes  to  ILLI- 
NOIS, now  seated,  lifts  her  hand 
gallantly  and  kisses  it,  boiving. 

THE   FRENCH    OFFICER 

My  Lady  Illinois,  I  give  thee  greeting. 

These  thousand  leagues  I  come,  over  far  seas 

And  mighty  rivers,  lakes  of  sweet  water 

. \nd  boundless  prairies,  to  thy  loveliness. 

\  At  the  word,  the  ILLINOIS  COM- 
PANY salute  the  FRENCH,  who  return 
it.  The  FRENCH  and  remaining 
INDIANS  then  mingle. 

ILLINOIS 

Bow  low,  my  children,  and  give  honor  here. 

Tliou'rt  welcome,  France,  and  far  from  thy  fair  home 

Here  may'st  thou  find  a  fairer,  more  beloved, 

And  happier  home ! 

[Enter,   right,   the   FRENCH   WOOD- 
RUNNERS,   who   go    to   the   FRENCH 
SOLDIERS.    The  FRENCH  and  remain- 
ing INDIANS  form  in  a  lane. 
[Enter,  right,  thrmigh  this,  .TOLIET, 

I. A   S.M.I, I-:.  (111(1  TON  TV.     (lll<l    /MX*    (Jilt. 

left. 

THE    FRENCH    OFFICER 

I  bring  thee  priceless  gifts: 
Here  are  for  thee  sharp  eyes  for  honest  gain. 
Wide  vision  for  an  empire  vast  and  strong, 
And  such  true  friendship  and  devotion  rare. 
Honor  and  courage,  loyalty  and  trust, 
As  all  the  world  shall  ever  wonder  at: 
Bri:-k  .Juliet,  La  Salle  the  unswervable. 
And   Tonty,  silver-hearted,  iron-handed: 
Trader,  and  statesman,  and  the  faithful  friend. 


II.UXOIS 

Great  gifts  are  these  for  every  child  of  mine 
To  have  and  hold.      I  greatly  thank  thee,  sir. 

[She  rises  and  intJi  UK>  others  stands 

with  bowed  head. 

\Enter,  right,  iri/li  IXDIAX  crucifers, 

thurif&rs,    and    acolylrx.     FATHERS 

M  AKQUETTE,      HENNEPIN,      MEMBRE, 

and  RIBOURDE.    irho   pms   out,   left, 
I lir  "  Vi'.rillti  fit't/i*"  /x  xit  n(/. 


"Vexilla  regis  produent, 
Fulget  crucis  mysterium, 
Quo  carne  carnis  coriditor 
Suspensus  est  patibulo. 

"Confixa  clavis  viscera 
Tendens  manus,  vestigia 
Eedemptions  gratia 
Hie  immolata  est  hostia. 

"Quo  vulneratus  insuper 
Mucrone  diro  lanoeae, 
lit  no  lavaret  crimine, 
Manavit  unda  et  sanguine. 

"Impleta  sunt  quae  concinit 
David  fideli  carmine, 
Dicendo  nationibus: 
Kegnavit  a  ligno  Deus. 


(IMXKS 


"Arbor  decora  et  fulgida. 
Ornata  regis  purpura 
Electa  digno  stipite, 
Tain  sancta  ineinbra  tangere! 

ktBeata  cujus  brachiis 
Pretium  pepondit  ^a., 
Statera  facia  est  corporis 
I^racdam  tnlit(|iic  Tartaii 

"Fundis  aroma  cortic-e. 
\rincis  sapore  Hectare, 
Jucunda  fructu  fertili 
Plaudis  triiunpho  nobili. 

"Salve  ara,  salve  victima 
I)c  passionis  gloria 
Qua  vita  mortem  pertulit 
Et  morte  vitam  reddidit." 


TIIK    FRENCH    OFFICER 


And  here  the  golden  gift  imperishable: 

High  faith  in  one  true  God  of  love  and  law. 

Of  mercy,  meekness,  charity,  and  hope. 

Who  will,  in  His  good  time,  bring  Heaven  to  earth. 


ILLINOIS 


Xo  earthly  gratitude  of  mine  is  fine 
Enough  for  this — I  give  you  heavenly  thanks. 


THE    FRENCH    OFF1CKI,1 


And  here  are  other  gifts;  less  rare,  be  sure, 
Puil  still  desirable:  high  spirits  ever, 
Innocent  gaiety  in  dance  and  song. 
Come,  children,  bring  delight  to  eye  and  ear. 


9 


'       THE    FRENCH    COMPANY 

(dancing  and  Kinging) 
Children  of  France  on  a  far  frontier, 
Gaily  we  dance  in  the  best  of  cheer, 
Gladly  we  sing  for  the  world  to  hear, 
All  on  a  mild  May  morning. 

Far  is  our  France  and  our  hearts  are  there, 
Yet  is  the  Illinois  country  fair, 
So  shall  we  sing— and  a  fig  for  care! — 
All  on  a  mild  May  morning. 

Hound  and  around  in  a  ring  we  go, 
Sweet  is  our  song  as  we  stand  a-row, 
Merry  our  hearts  as  we  dance,  heigho ! — 
All  on  a  mild  May  morning. 

ILLINOIS 

They  are  most  charming,  sir,  and  glad  am  I 
That  such  light-heartedness,  such  tuneful  grace 
Are  yours — are  mine. 

THE   FRENCH    OFFICER 

We  give  thee  thanks,  madame. 

A    MAIDEN 

(entering  breathlessly >  right) 
My  Lady  Illinois,  a  man  in  scarlet, 
With  doughty  followers,  in.  on  thy  plains. 

THE   FRENCH    OFFICER 

The  British  come,  madame,  and  we  must  go. 

\IIalf  the  FRENCH  exeunt,  left. 

ILLINOIS 

Not  yet,  for  far  toward  the  rising  sun 
The  hope  of  independence  dawns.     Ahide 
A  while. 

THE   FRENCH    OFFICER 

Already  half  my  children  go 
Across  the  mighty  river  unto  Spain. 

[Tumult  and,  shouting  without  as 
the  BRITISH  OFFICER  and  his  SOL- 
DIERS march  in,  with  the  British 
flag  of  1785. 

[THE  ILLINOIS  COMPANY  gather 
about  their  Mistress  as  before;  and 
the  FRENCH  COMPANY  about  their 
officer. 


10 


TIIK  BRITISH  OI-TH  1:1; 
(la  the  French  Officer) 

This  country  now  is  ours,  sirrah!      Your  flag 
You  straightway  hand  to  me,  never  to  fly 
A  hove  the  country  of  the  Illinois 
Again.     Your  flag,  sir !     Men,  secure  the  flag  ! 

[THE  BRITISH  SOLDIERS  xr/ie  the 
French  flay,  the  FKKXCII  staudinij 
in  distress. 

ILLINOIS 

Your  manner  is  abrupt,  your  manners  ill; 
What  bring  you  more  ?     I  am  the  mistress  here. 
Ah,  comes  a  hideous  being  to  my  state ! 

[Enter,  right,  TYRANNY,  crowned 
and  in  crimson. 

TYRANNY 

I  am  red  Tyranny,  and  on  my  head 
The  symbol  of  anointed  kings,  who  lay 
Upon  the  brow  of  God  Himself  the  blood 
Wherewith  my  robe  is  crimsoned,  the  life-stream 
Of  those  who  would  be  free. 

ILLINOIS 

My  hope  lies  east 
Toward  the  rising  sun.     What  would  you,  sir? 

Till:    BRITISH    OFFICER 

That  is  for  us  to  say,  young  jade.     My  king 
Will  have  his  royal  way  with  you  betimes. 
Here  is  no  dwelling  save  for  those  he  trusts, 
Friends  of  his  friend,  red  Tyranny.     For  you 
Are  ours. 

ILLINOIS 

Of  British  liberty  and  law 
Much  has  been  noised  abroad;  and  are  not  these 
For  me  and  mine  ? 

THE  BRITISH  OFFICER 

All  that  is  as  my  king. 

His  friend  here,  royally  shall  will.     Hear  them! 

|  Tin-  ir/Hir-irlioop  i'.v  heard  without, 
right.  The  reniainin;'/  INDIANS 
answer  and  rush  off.  right. 

The  savage  tribes  you  French  dealt  friendly  with 

Fve'M't  afoot   in  teach  you  rebels  here. 

[Enter  HATE,   in   black,   with   FEAR. 


11 


ILLINOIS 

What  fright I'u I  shape  is  this?     And  yet  I  knew 
Near  was  his  coming  upon  such  a  word. 

TYRANNY 

All  hail,  hlack  Hate,  true  hrother  of  my  soul ; 
I  Fail,  pallid  Fear;  well  are  we  companied ! 

HATE  AND  FEAR 

Hail,  brother  Tyranny,  brother  and  friend! 

HATE 

Black  Hate  am  I,  and  never  far  from  those 
Who  work  their  will  upon  unwilling-  hearts. 

ILLINOIS 

.Beware,  sir,  of  our  memories ! 

THE   ILLINOIS    COMPANY 

Beware ! 

THE   BRITISH   OFFICER 

Damsel,  you  prate  !     Keep  silence  now  !     My  king 
Commands — your  king  and  mine,  young  Illinois. 

ILLINOIS 

(earning  forward) 

Not  my  king,  while,  the  rising  morn  beneath, 
My  prairies  spread  their  sweet,  my  rivers  run 
Smiling  down  to  the  Gulf,  my  forests  toss 
Untrammeled  arms  above  me,  and  my  flowers 
Perfume  this  western  freedom. 

THE   BRITISH    OFFICER 

Treason,  jade, 

Rank  treason,  this.     Seize  her,  my  men,  and  make 
Her  ours.     All  that  she  has  shall  be  our  king's. 

[The  BRITISH  SOLDIERS  advance  to 
do  his  bidding. 

[From  all  the  entrances  BORDERMEN 
come,  bearing  the  Stars  and  Stripes, 
with  the  FRONTIERSMAN.  The 
British  pause  and  stare. 


(coming  to  Illinois) 
Believe  him  not,  my  Lady  Illinois. 
Our  England  is  not  free  to  speak  her  word 
Of  liberty  and  law.     It  is  a  foreign  king 
Doth  sit  her  throne  and  would  be  tyrant  there. 

THE   BRITISH    OFFICER 

Eebels  and  traitors  all 


Til  K    FKONTIKKSMAN. 

Take  no  step  more ! 

(ii\e  me  your  5; word  !     Your  arms,  your  ensign  ours. 

Give  back  to  France  her  lilied  standard — now! 

Take  it,  ye  Frenchmen  !     Side  by  side  it  streams 

In  fierce  alliance  with  our  Stars  and  Stripes. 

Disarm  these  men! 

[THE  BRITISH  OFFICER  yields  his 
*irortl,  xulkili/.  TIII-:  FRENCH  OFFI- 
CKI;  rey/iiitx  his  /i'ltj.  Tlir  BOI:DKR- 
MKN  in  1 1>  Ilir  lirifixl)-  arms. 

Till-:    BRITISH    OFF1CKR 

Eebels  and  traitors  all ! 

THE   FRONTIERSMAN. 

My  Lady  Illinois,  Virginia  bids 

Me  render  thee  promise  of  benefits, 

Her  love  and  liberty  and  justice — gifts 

Only  less  precious  than  the  Love  of  God ; 

And  sends  you,  too,  this  Greater  Love,  made  free 

At  last  by  her;  at  her  decree  no  longer 

Church  to  the  State  is  chained. 

ILLINOIS 

Most  joyous  news ! 
Rejoice,  my  children,  now  and  evermore! 

[The  FRENCH  miff  the  ILLINOIS  COM- 
PANIES cheer. 

THE   FRONTIERSMAN 

These  minions  of  old  Tyranny  take  hence 
In  chains  they  would  have  forged  for  us;  and  when 
They're  in  safe  keeping,  come  again  and  bring 
Our  radiant  maidens. 

[While   the  BORDERMEN   march   the 

BRITISH    OFFICKR    mid    his    SOLDIERS 

off,  left,  those  remainitnj  tin;/  "The 
Virginian  Song." 

ILLINOIS 

Sing  ye,  all,  with  hearts 
And  voices  unconstrained,  of  Liberty. 

OMNES 

"On  our  brow  while  we  laurel-crowned  Liberty  wear, 
What   Englishmen  ought  we  Americans  dare: 
Through  tempests  and  terrors  around  us  we  sec', 
Bribes  nor  fears  can  prevail  o'er  the  hearts  are  free. 

Hearts  of  oak  are  we  still,  for  we're  sons  of  those  men 

Who  always  arc  ready,  steady,  boys,  steady, 

To  fight  for  their  freedom  again  and  again. 


13 

"Then  cheer  up,  my  lads,  to  your  country  be  firm, 
Like  kind's  of  the  ocean,  we'll  weather  each  storm; 

Integrity  calls  out,  fair  liberty,  see, 
Waves  her  Flag  o'er  our  heads  and  her  words  are 

"Be  free!" 
Hearts  of  oak,  etc. 

[The  BORDERMEN  enter,  left,  with 
the  PIONEER  MAIDENS,  escorting  and 
cheering  VIRGINIA. 

ILLINOIS 

Most  welcome  and  thrice  welcome,  beloved 
Virginia,  mother  of  free  men  and  great! 

VIRGINIA 

Hail  and  all  hail,  my  daughter  Illinois; 

And  these,  thy  youth  and  gentle  maidens,  hail! 

ILLINOIS 

Here,  too,  sweet  mother,  are  the  gallant  French, 
Their  soldiers  our  allies,  their  children  mine. 

VIRGINIA 

And  here  their  sisters  and  their  brothers  dear, 
Thy  children  and  mine  own,  the  pioneers. 

ILLINOIS 

Dance  forth,  in  radiant  youth  and  modesty, 
All  dance,  to  celebrate  fair  Freedom's  day ! 

[All  join  in  dancing   the   Virginia 
Reel,  exuberantly. 
Xoble  Virginia,  mother  of  men, 
How  fair  your  sunny  rule  after  the  storm  ! 

VIRGINIA 

Sweet  daughter  Illinois,  more  storms  will  come 
And  greater.     Know  there  is  no  peace  for  me, 
For  thee,  for  any,  while  black  Hate  survives, 
Or  pallid  Fear,  or  crimsoned  Tyranny. 

ILLINOIS 
Then  must  I  fight  the  long  years  thro' — for  peace? 

VIRGINIA 

The  age-long  fight  is  thine  and  mine,  my  daughter ; 
But.  lest  our  arms  grow  weary,  our  Mistress  comes. 

[Bugles  blare  without.  Enter,  left, 
COLUMBIA,  escorted  by  CONTINENTAL 

SOLDIERS.        AIJ     *i)HJ,     xt  till /lin<  I     ill 

attention. 


14 


OMN  i:s 

"Hail,  Columbia,  happy  land ! 
Hail !  ye  heroes,  heav'n-born  band, 
Who  fought  and  bled  in  freedom's  cause, 
Who  fought  and  bled  in  freedom's  cause, 
And  when  the  storm  of  war  was  gone, 
Enjoyed  the  peace  your  valor  won; 
Let  independence  be  your  boast, 
Ever  mindful  what  it  cost, 
Ever  grateful  for  the  prize, 
Let  its  altar  reach  the  skies. 

Firm,  united  us  be, 

Ballying  round  our  liberty, 

As  a  band  of  brothers  joined, 

Peace  and  safety  we  shall  find. 

"Immortal  patriots,  rise  once  more ! 
Defend  your  rights,  defend  your  shore ; 
Let  no  rude  foe  with  impious  hand, 
Let  no  rude  foe  with  impious  hand, 
Invade  the  shrine  where  sacred  lies 
Of  toil  and  'blood  the  well-earned  prize ; 
While  offering  peace,  sincere  and  just, 
In  Heav'n  we  place  a  manly  trust, 
That  truth  and  justice  may  prevail, 
And  ev'ry  scheme  of  bondage  fail. 
Firm,  united"  etc. 

VIRGINIA 
Welcome,  Columbia,  mistress  of  our  hearts ! 

ILLINOIS 
Columbia,  more  than  queen,  reigning  thro'  love ! 

COLUMBIA 

Welcome  the  day  that  brings  these  prairies  to  mo ! 

VIRGINIA 

Mother  of  mine,  I  have  a  daughter  here, 
Our  Lady  Illinois,  whom  I  would  fain 
Give  to  thy  greater  care. 

COLUMBIA 

Gladly  I  take, 

Willingly  keep,  this  saored  gift  of  thine, 
Loyal  Virginia. 

ILLINOIS 

Come,  my  children  all ; 

Children  of  France,  my  children,  too;  and  ye, 
My  pioneers,  to  make  me  great  thro'  time. 
Fnir  is  the  season,  golden  every  hope. 


MATE 


Methinks  at  such  a  time  ukl  Europe  hath 
Mure  place  i'or  me. 


FEAR 


It  is  our  ancient  home; 
Yet  Slavery,  our  dear  child,  is  planted  here 
And  surely  he  will  beckon  our  return. 


COLUMBIA 

But,  child,  what  do  these  miscreants  here?     Go  hence! 
What,  stir  you  not?     Sound  trumpets  then  to  call 
The  Three  Great  Sisters  with  their  priceless  jewels. 

\The  trumpets  sound. 

TYRANNY 

We  go  the  while,  but  ever  shall  return, 

When  Justice  slumbers,  Liberty  abates, 

Or  Love  withholds  her  smiles.     Let  them  but  nod, 

And  Hate  and  Fear  and  I  will  stab  and  slay. 

[TYRANNY,  HATE,  and  FEAR  exeunt 

right. 

[LOVE,  LIBERTY,  and  JUSTICE  enter, 

left. 


OMNES 


.(iod.  Who  is  Truth  and  Law, 
We  bow  before  Thine  Awe 

Here  manifest. 

Welcome  Thy  Daughters  Three, 
Speaking  by  Thy  decree, 

Holiest,  Best. 

Liberty,  keep  us  free. 
Ever  we  wait  on  thee; 

Light  from  thine  eyes 
Floods  thro'  the  age-long  dark 
Lit  by  thy  heavenly  spark 

Gained  from  the  skies. 

Justice,  thou  holy  one, 
I'adiant  as  the  sun 
Banishing  night, 


Xow  with  thy  scales  and  sword 
Drive  from  us  ills  abhorred, 
Thine  is  the  might. 

Love,  by  thy  sacred  smile 
Baffled  is  every  wile 

Of  fiend  and  foe. 
Thine  is  the  golden  wand, 
Thine  the  celestial  bond 

Of  good  below. 

Liberty,  Justice,  Love, 
Angels  from  Heaven  above, 

We  hymn  your  praise. 
dod's  Daughters  shining  here, 
Casting  out  every  fear, 

Kule  ye  our  days. 


COLUMBIA 

Bring  me  in  kindness  now  the  starry  crown 
Of  Statehood  for  my  daughter  Illinois. 
While  Justice,  Liberty,  and  Love  attend, 
Her  sponsors  evermore. 


16 

ILLINOIS 

Humbly  1  kneel 

To  these  celestial  visitors  and  friends, 
Asking  the  Almighty  for  their  constant  aid 
Thro'  all  the  trials  to  be. 

COLUMBIA 

Wear  then  this  crown 

Oi'  twenty  stars  and  one,  and  keep  them  bright. 

Tho'  gold  he  thine,  scorn  thou  its  sordid  lure; 

Tho'  luxury  tempt,  keep  thou  thy  temple  pure ; 

Tho'  great  wars  come,  thus  shall  thy  fame  endure. 

[The  crown-  having  been  brought, 
COLUMBIA  crowns  ILLINOIS  kneel- 
ing with  uplifted  head,  while 
LIBERTY,  JUSTICE,  and  LOVE  raise 
their  hands  in  blessing  over  her. 

OMNES 

Fair  Illinois,  So  shall  we  stand 

Thine  every  joy  One  kindly  hand 

Of  great  endeavor !  In  blest  communion 

Our  hearts  unite  Of  mind  and  soul 

In  bonds  of  light  Made  glad  and  whole 

\Yith  thine  for  ever!  hi  Freedom's  Union! 

THE   ILLINOIS    COMPANY 

Wood  and  bloom  and  stream  are  we 
And  boundless  prairies  so  fair  to  see, 
Dancing  and  singing  for  Illinois, 
So  radiant,  proud,  and  brave  is  she ! 

(CURTAIN) 


17 


THE  MASQUE  OF  ILLINOIS 


PART  II— ILLINOIS  STATEHOOD 


PERSONS  OF  THE  MASQUE  (*  indicates  a  speaking  part)  : 

ILLINOIS/  COLUMBIA/  a  MAIDEN,*  the  THREE  GTEAT  SISTERS,  the  THREE 
EVIL  BRETHERN,*  the  ILLINOIS  COMPANY,  the  INDIAN  CHIEF  (BLACK- 
HAWK  now),  the  INDIAN  BRAVES,  the  INDIAN  MAIDENS,  the  FROXTIK US- 
MAN,*  th&  BORDERMEN,  the  PIONEER  MAIDENS,  as  before,  and  in  addi- 
tion the  following: 

THE  MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE  THE   NATION,   Specifically 

SLAVERY*  ONE   IN    BLACK 

POLGAMYO  BELGIUM* 

REPUDIATION*  FRANCE* 

THE  ILLINOIS  COLLEGES  ENGLAND* 

CHICAGO  SCOTLAND* 

AMERICAN    SOLDIERS  IRELAND 

AMERICAN    SAILORS  CANADA 

lie  fore  the  rise  of  the  curtain  a  chorus  is  heard  singing  "Our  Illinois; 
The  Centennial  Hymn." 

CHORUS 

Our  father's  God,  in  thankfulness 
Thy  thousand  mercies  we  confess 

With  solemn  joy : 

Our  prairies  rich  with  fruitful  loam, 
Our  rivers  singing  as  they  roam, 
The  happiness  that  is  our  home, 

Our  hope,  our  Illinois. 

How  many  times,  Almighty  God, 
Our  fathers  passed  beneath  the  road 

Thy  years  employ ! 
(I  rant  that  their  faith  he  justified 
In  us,  for  whom  they  fought  and  died; 
Their  love  for  Thee  our  lasting  pride 
And  hope  for  Illinois. 


—2  M 


18 

Our  fathers'  God,  put  forth  Thy  might; 
Thro'  Thee  may  we  defend  the  right, 

The  wrong  destroy. 
Lead  us  afar  from  greed  and  lust, 
leach  us  our  duty,  make  us  just; 
In  Thee  our  best,  our  only  trust, 

Our  hope  for  Illinois. 

Great  Lord,  Thy  law  hath  made  us  free 
And  all  our  freedom  rests  on  Thee, 

Our  stay  and  buoy. 

We  give  Thee  praise  for  banished  fears, 
For  righted  evils,  contrite  tears; 
Keep  steadfast  to  her  stainless  years 

Our  hope,  our  Illinois. 

The  rise  of  the  curtain  discovers  ILLINOIS  upon  her  bloesomy  bank, 
before.     She  rises  and  speaks. 

ILLINOIS 

The  beauty  of  youth  is  mine,  and  riches  more  than  gold; 
My  stalwart  sons  and  daughters  shall  bring  me  wealth 

untold ; 
Woodland  and  plain  are  mine ;  but  better  than  loam  and 

tree 

Stout  hearts  and  visioned  eyes  to  keep  my  people  free. 

[A  MAIDEN  enters,  right. 

THE   MAIDEN 

My  Lady  Illinois,  a  man  of  speech 

Most  kindly,  good  to  look  upon,  and  fair 

And  smooth  of  manner,  would  have  word  with  thcc. 

ILLINOIS 

His  name,  sweet  maiden? 

THE   MAIDEN 

Slavery  his  name, 
And  French  his  origin. 

ILLINOIS 

111  met  are  we, 
But,  still,  we  must  be  met.     Let  him  come  to  me. 

\The  MAIDEN  usiiers  in  SLAVEKY. 

SLAVERY 

Sweet  mistress,  I  am  come  to  ask  thy  hand. 
Long  has  thou  known  me,  and  a  danger  lurks : 
Strong  men  and  women  from  our  southern  lands 
Pass  by  thy  doors  because  thou  art  not  mine. 
Speak  the  word,  and  make  thy  position  sure. 


19 


ILLINOIS 

Fair  is  your  message,  but  across  your  breast, 

I  see  the  colors  of  your  masters,  Fear 

•And  Tyranny  and  Hate.     Summon  my  children! 

[THE  MAIDEN  goes  out,  right,  and 
returns  with-  the  FRONTIERSMAN,  the 

BORDERMEN,  and  the  PIONEER 
MAIDENS. 

SLAVERY 

Thou  shalt  have  wealth  and  ease,  fair  Illinois — 
My  slaves  shall  toil,  and  thou  wilt  reap  the  gain. 

ILLINOIS 

Mere,  sons  and  daughters  mine,  a  suitor  stands — 
Slavery  his  name.     What  shall  I  say  to  him? 

THE   FRONTIERSMAN 

Bid  him  go  hence,  my  lady. 

SLAVERY 

But,  dear  sir, 
How  great:  her  need  of  me  to  bring  her  wealth ! 

ILLINOIS 

You  will  not  go  without  a  struggle.     Yet 
Better  the  struggle  now.     I  bid  you  go. 

SLAVERY 

I  will  not  go. 

THE   FRONTIERSMAN 

(threateningly) 
You  shall ! 

SLAVERY 

I  shall  he  near 
Should  your  opinion  change. 

ILLINOIS 
Away ! 

OMNES 

Away! 

\They  advance  upon  SLAVERY,  and 
take  him  out  forcibly,  returning 
joyously  to  sing  and  dance.  The 
MAIDEN  goes  out  with  them. 


20 


OMNES 

We  are  the  children  of  fair  Illinois: 

J   am  IKT  girl — and    1   am  her  boy. 

Golden  our  sand  as  it  runs  thro'  her  gla>.-: 

I  am  her  lad — and  I  am  her  lass. 

May  we  be  faithful  in  seeking  the  truth: 

I  am  her  maid — and  I  am  her  youth, 

We  are  the  prayers  for  the  future  she  prayed : 

I  am  her  man — and  I  am  her  maid. 

[They  dance  out,  left. 

[Enter  the  MAIDEN,  right . 

THE   MAIDEN 

My  lady,  now  is  mine  a  happier  duty. 

Thy  friend,  the  friend  of  Liberty  and  Love 

And   Justice,  General  Lafayette,  hath  come. 

{Enter  LAFAYETTE  with  the  ILLI- 
NOIS COMPANY,  dancing  and  cheer- 
ing, right. 

ILLINOIS 

0  Lafayette,  most  kindly  friend  of  man, 
Better  thy  coming  than  the  April  lilies 
That  dance  about  thy  welcome  path  today! 

[LAFAYETTE  bows  and  gets  out,  left, 

with    the    MAIDEN.    Hn-    IIIYKKS.    find 

the  FORESTS. 

Heavy  your  hands  with  treasure,  Prairies  mine, 
And  yours,  fair  Flowers.     What  have  you  for  me ! 

THE   PRAIRIES 

•'Xeath  thy  prairies'  grassy  roll 
Behold  new  treasure  in  stores  of  coal. 

Scarlet  and  gold  their  banners  that  spring 
To  warm,  Illinois,  every  wintry  soul. 

THE  FLOWERS 

Where  thy  blossoms  once  were  gay 
Behold  the  plowshare  betakes  its  way. 

Broadening  acres  happy  with  corn 
Are  thine,  Illinois,  in  the  sunlit  day. 

THE    PRAIRIES    AND    FLOWEUS 

Food  and  light  and  warmth  are  thine 
As  cold  and  famine  their  crowns  resign. 

Better  the  world  for  the  terrors  that  fleo 
Afar,  Illinois,  from  these  gifts  divine. 

ILLINOIS 

Noble  your  gifts,  my  children,  in  their  promise. 

|  'I' lie  u-(i r-ir/i on/>  /'.»•  licard,  enter, 
BRAVES  and  MAIDENS,  icho  dance, 
right,  BLACKHAWK  iritb  the  INDIAN. 


THE    INDIAN    Hi;  A  VMS 

Lagles  dart  Lightnings  Hash 
tliro'  the  sky:  On  their  breath; 

Fierce  their  heart.  Down  they  dash, 
Loud  their  cry.  Bringing  death. 

Bright  their  doom  Eagle  War, 

Flying  on  Red  mine  ire, 

Thro'  the  gloom  Shouting  for 

To  the  dawn.  Blood  and  fire. 

TIIK    INDIAN     MAIDKNS 

Manitou,  thy  children  hear! 
For  our  foes  the  knife  and  spear, 
Burning,  slaughter,   fear  on   fear, 
Manitou,  ()  hear !  ()  hear! 

ILLINOIS 

Xow  have  ye  spread  your  terror  thro'  my  lands 

Once  more,  as  in  the  rolling  ages  past; 

And  now  no  more  these  ancient  hunting-grounds 

Are  yours  for  war.     Gone  with  the  setting  sun 

Your  braves  and  maidens,  and  for  ever  gone. 

[All  the  INDIANS  pass  out  slowly, 
left,  with  bowed  licixh,  rlitinfin;/ 
sadly. 

THE    INDIANS 

Fireflies  in  the  summer  night ; 

Birds  a-wing  for  winter  flight; 

Stars  that  dim  in  morning  light; 

Meteors  that  flash  from  sight. 

[Enter,  right,  the  RIVERS  and  FOR- 
ESTS. 

ILLINOIS 
My  Rivers  and  my  Woodlands,  bring  ye  gifts? 

r  1 1 K  RIVERS 

Where  thy  lakes  and  rivers  run 
Behold  them  joining  and  made  as  one, 
Passage  fit  for  an  empire  of  trade 
Is  thine,  Illinois,  when  our  work  is  done. 

TIIK    KOKKSTS 

From  thy  woodlands'  leafy  trail 
Come  fuel  and  ties  for  the  iron  rail, 

Carrying  wealth  to  the. ends  of  the  earth 
For  thee.  Illinois,  thro'  forest  and  vale. 


22 


TIIK    IMYKKS    AM)     I'D  I!  KsT"- 

Roads  on  water,  roads  on  land, 
Binding  the  globe  in  a  friendly  band; 

Strangers  afar  are  neighboring  now— 
New  worlds,  Illinois,   for  thy  kind  command. 

ILLINOIS 

What  stores  you  bring,  my  children,  from  your  toil ! 
1 1  ow  new  the  era  such  wealth  ushers  in ! 
Far  friends  become  our  neighbors  close  at  hand, 
Whom  we;  shall  nourish  and  their  winters  warm. 
You  have  the  thanks  of  all  the  world. 

[Enter  ihe  MAIDEN,  right,  followed 

by  REPUDIATION. 
THE    MAIDEN 

1  bring  another,  kind  and  smooth  of  speech. 

REPUDIATION 

Repudiation  is  my  name,  and  thou 
Hast  need  of  me,  my  Lady  Illinois. 
Thou  art  impoverished  by  means  of  these — 

(indicating  the  Rivers  and  Forests) 
Improvements,  they  are  styled.     Be  rich  withal. 

ILLINOIS 

Treasure  \vell  earned,  well  used,  who  shall  despise? 

REPUDIATION 

Most  true,  my  lady.     Then  dost  thou  deny 
Thy  lawful  debts,  and  lo !  the  wealth  is  thine. 

ILLINOIS 

Smooth-spoken  sir,  I  see  upon  your  garb 
The  hues  of  Tryauny  and  Hate  and  Fear, 
Who  follow  close  behind  your  ill  advice, 
Were't  taken.     I'll  have  none  of  it.     Begone ! 

REPUDIATION 

I  pity  one  who  would  be  poor. 

ILLINOIS 

And  I 
Pity  more  one  who  would  be  false.     Begone! 

THE    ILLINOIS    COMPANY 

Begone ! 

[Exit  REPUDIATION,  right,  passing 
the  MAIDEN,  entering  with  POLY- 
GAMY. 

ILLINOIS 
Ah,  me!     Another  corneth  hither. 


THE    MAIDEN 


.My   Lady   Illinois,  this  saintly  man 

In  looks  and  speech,  is  named  Polygamy. 


POLYGAMY 

Polygamy  am   I,  fair  Illinois. 

One  in  a  vision  came  to  me  and  said : 

Not  to  one  woman  art  thou  bound  alone; 

Xo  following  of  icy  piety 

Attends  thy  priesthood ;  take  thou  many  \vives. 

ILLINOIS 

Brave  youth,  sweet  maidens,  what  say  ye  to  this? 

THE   ILLINOIS    COMPANY 

Begone !  Begone ! 

ILLINOIS 

Aye,  go.     Thou  wearest,  too, 
The  hues  of  Hate  and  Fear  and  Tyranny — 
Ilyponisy  withal  and  Lustfulness 
Are  thine.     My  children,  drive  him  hence ! 

THE   ILLINOIS    COMPANY 

Begone ! 

[They  drive  POLYGAMY   out,  right, 
and  follow  after,  reviling. 
[There  is  a  distant  roll  of  drums. 

ILLINOIS 

(as  in  a  vision) 

I  see  the  embattled  fields  of  Mexico, 

Where,  staunch  at  Buena  Vista,  stand  my  sons 

Invincible.     I  see  the  desperate  charge, 

Steadfast  defense,  the  bold  attack  in  turn; 

And  they  at  Cerro  Gordo  are  as  brave. 

Ye  sons  of  victory,  hail  and  farewell! 

Hail  and  farewell,  ye  imperishable  dead! 

[Cheerful  music  is  heard,  left, 
heralding  the  coming  of  the  Illi- 
nois Colleges  founded  before  the 
Civil  War* 

THE   MAIDEN 

Here  are  thy  powers  against  ignorance. 

Thou  owest  them  much,  and  shalt  owe  more,  my  lady. 


•These  include  Blackburn,  Chaddock,  Chicago,  Eureka,  Hedding,  Illinois  Col- 
lege, Illinois  Wesleyan  University,  Illinois  Woman's  College,  Illinois  State  Normal 
University,  Knox,  Lake  Forest,  Lombard,  McKendree,  Monmouth,  Monticello, 
North-Western  College,  Northwestern.  University,  Shurtleff,  and  Wheaton, 


TIIK    ILLINOIS    COLLECKS 

Bom  beside  thy  western  waters 

Are  these  children  of  thy  heart, 
Chaste  Minerva's  sons  and  daughters, 

Who  are  come  to  bear  thy  part. 
Days  and  nights  we  give  to  learning, 

Ever  seeking  wisdom's  goal, 
That  the  Truth  in  splendor  burning 

Mai  illuminate  thy  soul. 

ILLINOIS 

Indeed,  ye  are  my  very  dear;  for  Love 
And  Liberty  and  Justice  dwell  with  you, 
And  your  fair  presence  here  ensureth  these 
To  me.    They  are  the  soul  of  Truth,  its  essence; 
Then  hold  them  in  your  hearts  against  our  need. 

[The  ILLINOIS  COLLEGES  dance  out, 

left,  singing  as  before. 

[There  is  a.  distant  roll  of  dru.nix. 

coming  nearer  and  nearer,   with  a 

boom  as  of  cannon. 

THE   MAIDEN 

The  war  is  in  thy  very  house,  my  lady. 

ILLINOIS 

Daughter  of  war  am  I,  of  tears  and  blood, 

Seeking  peace  ever — and  there  is  no  peace ; 

The  fight  for  Liberty,  for  Justice,  Love  • 

For  ever  mine,  as  once  it  was  foretold  me. 

How  now  mine  eyes  are  bright  thro'  tears  of  pride 

For  these  my  children  battling  for  the  right! 

And  how  my  sons  sweep  down  the  South,  divide 

Our  enemy,  and  eastward  turn  in  triumph ! 

[The  ILLINOIS  COMPANY,  in  black, 
wfli  hands  crossed  on  their  breasts 
and  with  bowed  heads,  enter,  right, 
softly,  and  kneel }  rising  at  the  word. 

My  noble  sons,  my  noble  slain,  I  mourn ; 

Mourn  with  me,  kneel  and  mourn  nvy  sons  a  while, 

Xow  lift  your  heads,  my  children,  seek  the  skies 

And  look  with  level  eyes  upon  the  sun. 

For  yours  the  deathless  voice  of  loyalty 

That  is  my  Douglas ;  all  the  glory  lit 

By  my  indomitable  Grant,  tender 

Of  heart  to  vanquished  brothers ;  aye.  and  yours 

And  mine  the  wistful  splendor  of  the  man 

Who  is  mankind  hound  up  in  one  strong  soul 

Compassionate,  my  Lincoln.     So  give  praise! 


25 


Till:    II.I.INOIS   COMPANY 

Jehovah,  God  of  War-Hosts,  Thine 

The  praise  for  Freedom's  triumph  won. 

Alleluia  ! 
Mis  battlefield  Thy  holy  shrine 

Where  every  hro\v  shines  as  the  snn. 

Alleluia  ! 

Thanksgiving  to  Thy  Holiness 
Thro'  all  the  ages  yet  to  be, 

Alleluia ! 

Wherein  Thy  mercy  moves  to  bless 
The  men  who  war  to  make  Man  free! 
Alleluia!     Alleluia! 

ILLINOIS 

Peace,  sacred  peace,  is  mine  once  more.     My  sons, 

My  warrior  sons,  return  and  beat  their  swords 

To  plowshares.     Riches  vast  they  bring  to  me; 

My  cities  flourish,  and  the  countryside 

Is  bright  with  harvests.     Men  from  every  land 

Flock  to  my  table  heaped  Math  good;  and  fair 

Beside  our  inland  sea  Chicago  strives. 

[There  is  a<  cry  of  woe,  right.  The 
MAIDEN  runs,  and  leads  fainting 
CHICAGO  to  ILLINOIS,  who  clieiislies 
her.  The  ILLINOIS  COMPANY  gath- 
er about  with  help  and  signs  of  pity. 

THE    MAIDEN 

Alas,  my  lady,  but  Chicago  comes 
I  n   lamentable  devastation  here  ! 

ILLINOIS 

Give  instant  help,  my  children;  ye  are  sisters. 
In  one  huge  sweep  of  flame  the  city  falls 
And  perishes.     Let  everything  I  have 
Be  hers  and  gladly  given.     Yet  in  her  heart 
Beats  high  resolve,  the  blood  of  pioneers. 

THE   MAIDEN 

She  murmurs  steadfastly,  "I  will." 

ILLINOIS 

(proudly) 

She  is 
My  daughter.     See,  she  cries.     Help  her  then 

And  see  thai  she  is  fully  comforted. 

[CHICAGO  is  led  out.  right,  by  the 

ILLINOIS    COMPANY. 

|" 7 7/7'  lit/hlx  dint  n>  while. 


26 

The  swift  years  fly  with  healing  on  their  wings 

And  all  is  well  again.     Calamity 

( 'on rage  doth  coin  into  success.     The  Nations 

Are  come  to  honor  her  and  me.     It  is 

The  natal  day  of  our  Xew  World  and  all 

Its  continents  have  meant  to  humankind. 

[Enter,    rif/ht,    the    ILLINOIS    COM- 
PANY, dancing  and  slut/in;/. 

THE   ILLINOIS    COMPANY 

Joy  and  delight  to  the  world 

Smiles  the  White  City  impearled. 

Blue  are  our  waters  and  skies, 

Heaven  upon  earth  in  our  eyes, 

Loveliness  high  in  our  hearts 

Lit  by  the  flame  of  the  Arts. 

Backward  the  centuries  roll 

Bringing  the  world  to  the  goal 

Bright  on  the  shores  of  our  sea, 

Beautiful,  wonderful,  free. 

[The    procession,    of    the    NATIONS 
passes,  with  banners;  in  its  midst 

ONE    IN    BLACK    without    (I    fttlfj,    lilt 

with   red,    white,   and   Hack   alo-nt 
her. 

THE   MAIDEN 

What  means  this  figure  black  as  in  disgrace. 
My  lady? 

ILLINOIS 

Know  that  with  the  world  at  peace 
This  bandit  Nation  even  now  conspires 
Against  all  peace,  and  outlawed  she  shall  stand, 
Mischievous,  miscreant,  desperately  doomed. 

[The   procession   passes.      There   is 
Hi/din  the  roll  of  drums  afar. 
Alas,  upon  a  world  dreaming  of  peace 
Rolls  out  again  the  hideous  note  of  war! 

[Enter.     lif/M,     BELGIUM.     Wltll     TY- 
KAXNY. 

BELGIUM 

Behold  me,  Illinois,  ravaged  and  tortured, 
Vet  with  mine  honor  bright. 


And  thou  didst  this? 


27 

TYRANNY 

Aye,  madame.      Broken   is  my   plighted  faith; 
But  she  withstood  an  empire  on  its  path 
To  conquest. 

ILLINOIS 
Thou  has  spilled  thy  soul  thereby. 

[Enter,  right,  FRANCE,  with  FEAR. 

LAFAYETTE    follows,    Sadly. 
FRANCE 

Behold  me,  Illinois,  whose  very  name 

Js  mine,  causelessly  wounded,  but  unsharned. 

ILLINOIS 
(to  Fear) 
This  is  thy  work? 

FEAR 

Aye,  madame,  years  agone 
I  robbed  her  needlessly,  and  dread  revenge. 

FRANCE 

I  seek  no  pity,  but  my  land  is  free, 

Save  where  the  Hun  hath  smeared  it.     But  I  ask 

Your  justice;  I  am  sore  bestead  this  day. 

ILLINOIS 

Justice  will  come  to  the  anon;  my  Love 
Is  yours  of  old;  and  Liberty  is  ours 
[mperiahably. 

[Enter,  right,  ENGLAND,  SCOTLAND, 

IRELAND,    CANADA,   With   HATE. 
ENGLAND 

Lady  Illinois, 

Because  my  sisters  and  their  liberties 
Were  needlessly  beset,  I  have  made  war. 

HATE 

I  thought  her  eyes  close  swathed  and  blind. 
Some  devil  freed  them,  and  she  saw  my  face; 
But  I  will  have  her  heart  to  gnaw  upon. 

ILLINOIS 

Oh,  I  had  hoped  for  peace,  and  thought  these  Three 

Most  Evil  Brethren  exiled  from  my  lands. 

[There  is  again  1lie  cry  of  woe.  left. 
All  pomse.  Tin'  MAIDEN  runs  out 
and  xlrni-ijlihrny  returns. 


TIIK    MAIDEN 

My  lady,  pitiful  tin-  word   I   bring: 
These  hateful  Things,  for  all  we  are  at  peace, 
ll,-iv<'  dreadful  murder  done  upon  the  seas. 
Thy  sons,  thy  daughters,  aye,  thy  tender  babes, 
Arc  mercilessly  slain. 

ILLINOIS 

1  would  have  peace, 

But  there  can  be  no  peace,  as  was  foretold, 
While  such  Things  live  and  breathe.     The  trumpets  sound. 
New  evils  stout  withstood,  old  ones  return. 
Summon  my  friends.     The  matter  goes  beyond 
My  sole  adjudication.     Sound  the  trumpets. 

(The  trumpets  sound) 
Oh,  England  and  thy  sisters  here,  of  old 
I  loved  you  not,  what  time  a  king,  the  child 
Of  these  base  creatures,  drove  me  from  thy  breast. 
But  heart  and  law  and  speech  of  me  are  thine; 
As  thou  art  free,  so  'tis  thy  high  endeavor 
Hath  made  me  free.     Thine,  too,  my  gratitude 
For  the  swift  help  that  sped  to  Belgium 
And  France. 

ENGLAND 

I  ask  no  more,  yet  hope  for  more. 

ILLINOIS 

Belgium,  grossly  betrayed,   vengeance  is  not 
For  me,  nor  can  irreparable  wrongs 
Be  righted  ;  but  all  Man  can  do,  do  I. 

BELGIUM 

You  have  my  love,  and  faith  that  Justice  dies 
Not  ever,  Illinois. 

ILLINOIS 

And,  France,  I  am 

American,  but  all  true  souls  give  twin 
Allegiance,  and  the  half  mv  heart  is  thine. 


FRANC! 

Thou  hast  two  mothers,  faithful  daughter  mine; 

Hot!)  gave  thee  hirtli:  and  now  the  other  cometh. 

|  1 1  ATI:.  KHAR,  and  TYRANNY  seize 
II/IOH  BELGIUM  without  a  icord  and 
car i- 1/  1/rr  out,  left,  as  all  cover  their 
eye*  in  horror. 

[Enter,  riylit,  COLUMBIA,  with  LOVE>, 
JUSTICE,,  and  LIBERTY,  escorted  by 

AMERICAN     SOLDIERS     and    SAILORSi, 

with  the  Flag.  All  join  them  in 
singing  "Columbia,"  the  Gem  of  the 
Ocean/' 

\As  the  THREE  GREAT   SISTERS   Come 

iloirn,  the  NATIONS  kneel  and  hold 
out  supplicating  hands. 

OMNES 

"0  Columbia,  the  gem  of  the  ocean, 

The  home  of  the  brave  and  the  free, 
The  shrine  of  each  patriot's  devotion, 

A  world  offers  homage  to  thee; 
Thy  mandates  make  heroes  assemble, 

When  Liberty's  form  stands  in  view; 
Thy  banners  make  Tyranny  tremble, 

When  borne  by  the  red,  white,  and  blue : 
When  borne  by  the  red,  white,  and  blue — 
When  borne  by  the  red,  white,  and  blue, 
Thy  banners  make  Tyranny  tremble, 
When  borne  by  the  red,  white,  and  blue." 

ILLINOIS 

(I feat  Mother  of  free  men,  speak  but  the  word 
And  I,  who  gave  my  sons  in  myriads 
To  keep  thee  safe  and  make  thee  whole,  will  give 
Again,  my  dearest,  noblest. 

COLUMBIA 

Lnyai  daughter. 

Our  hearts  are  one.     We  are  beset  by  foes 
Within  and  foes  beneath  the  seas.     I  prayed 
For  peaee — and  there  was  no  peace.     Roll  the  drums 
And  sound  the  bugles.     .Rise,  my  sisters,  join 
Your  hands  with  mine.     We  go  to  war  with  war. 

[Drums  roll  and  bugles  sound.  The 
Flag  is  lifted  and  all  stand  at  atten- 
tion. 

[FRANCE  and  the  NATIONS  join 
hands  irilli  COLUMBIA  and  ILLINOIS. 


30 

\Ve  fight  until  hliick   Hate,  \vhiic   Fear,  and  blood 

Red  Tyranny  are  dead  ;  and  holy  Love, 

Justice  enskied,  and  sacred  Liberty 

Rule  sea  and  land.     Come,  Illinois,  to  war. 

Without  thee  I  had  perished.     It  may  be — • 

I 'ray  God  it  may  be! — from  your  splendid  past 

The  future  rises,  with  another  Grant 

More  splendid,  conquering  a  greater  peace. 

ILLINOIS 

Almighty  God,  we  humbly  pray  again 
For  honorable  victory. 

OMNES 

Amen. 

[All  march  mil,  left,  ike  ILLINOIS 
COMPANY  last,  singing  "Hail,  Illi- 
nois!" 

THE    ILLINOIS    COMPANY 

By  the  Flag  that's  floating  o'er  us, 
By  our  fathers'  fame  before  us, 
Kaise  your  voices  in  the  chorus, 
Hail  Illinois. 
Chorus: 

Hail,  Illinois ! 

Hail,  Illinois ! 

Thine  the  story, 

God's  the  glory. 

Hail,  Illinois ! 

By  the  memories  that  attend  her : 
Grant,  the  Union's  bold  defender, 
Loyal  Douglas,  Lincoln's  splender, 
Hail  Illinois. 

By  her  hundred  years  of  honor — 
Who,  in  all  the  world,  outshone  her? — 
Wreathed  like  laurel  bright  upon  her. 
Hail  Illinois. 

By  the  fields  her  sons  left  gory 
Make  tin1  past  her  future  story, 
On  and  on  to  greater  glory 
Hail  Illinois. 

Curtain,  to  rise  for  a  final  tableau.  ft/iou-ina  IIATK.  FKAK  and  TYRANNY 
prostrate,  with  LIBERTY,  LOVE,  and  JUSTICE  /  riuni  pliant ,  ami  COU-MHIA 
and  ILLINOIS  standing  iri/li  clasped  hand*,  the  >'//•/ r.v  ami  Stripes  and 
tin'  Illinois  Centennial  llanner  above  tlieni.  irliile  all  join  iritli  the 
audience  in  .v in  ;/{>/;/  "Tlic  Star-Spangled  Uanner." 

(l'L\AL  CURTAIN.) 


UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS-MUM 

812R369M  C003 

THE  MASQUE  OF  ILLINOIS  SPRINGFIELD 


0112025323632 


